Matteo wriggles past
Immerine and Jezbodiah to take a closer look at the suspected strand of algae.
Closer examination reveals that it is a piece of thin rope or such that has an
outer layer covered by algae growth. Pulling a little more on the rope reveals
a frayed end. The way the rope is strung has an uncanny resemblance to a trip
wire, one that has been sprung. Following the rope up with his eyes and moving
a little closer, Matteo peers into the pipe from which it emerges. Holding the
sunrod closer he sees some sort of spring-mechanism about five feet into the
pipe. Telsom in the meanwhile keeps his attention focused as much as possible
on the pipe, while not neglecting the rest of the surroundings. The young
paladin, now even more alert hears a small splashing sound behind him. It
could have been Tempest, but the splash sounded a little too soft and smooth
for the half-orc. Back in the chamber Tempest peeks over his shoulder at the
others while remaining his stoic vigilance against anything that might come at
them from the other two channels. “Found anything?” He asks.

Immerine smiles at
Matteo and runs one hand down his back as he gazes at the pipe. “I thought all
noblemen were used to the ruggedness and stench of the sewers, my lord. Oh
wait… I forgot that is what you call society. Shall we see what is in this
pipe that holds your attention?” Immerine moves forward bringing her staff up
to the level of the pipe. Matteo starts as Immerine’s hand runs down his back
and he jerks upright in startled surprise. Turning to face her he is about to
say something when he realizes that she is ignoring him and about to touch her
staff to the pipe. His mouth works soundlessly for a moment before he finds
his voice. Laying a hand on her wrist he quickly jerks it away and almost
glares at her. “Wait a moment, that strand used to be a tripwire. There is
some sort of spring loaded mechanism up the pipe, I didn’t see whether it is
still loaded or not.” Not quite trusting her, Matteo steps to the side away
from the pipe. Immerine’s forward momentum is jerked to a halt when Matteo
grabs her wrist. Going with the tug she steps into him, her face inches away
from his. When he moves to the side of the pipe she moves to the opposite
side, her face a blank slate. “There is one way to find out if it is still
loaded…” She reaches out with her free hand to grab the frayed end of the
cord. “I suggest everyone spread out away from the pipe.” Jez merely rolls his
eyes at the foolishness of Immerine and Matteo. “I think the pipe contains
some spring loaded mechanism. That’s obvious as the strand running into the
pipe.”

Spinning around in
the water, Telsom holds up a hand to Immerine asking her to halt as he lowers
himself towards the water scanning its surface for anything out of the
ordinary. Scanning the water and concentrating, Telsom detects a vague hint of
evil; it comes from the tunnel where the combined sewage flows into. “It would
be easier if you burn the strand with a cantrip or a torch.” Jez says, as he
steps further away from the pipe, nodding his cowled head in approval to his
own comment. “It will deactivate the trap.” Jez mutters as he moves closer to
Telsom and trying to step behind the Sunite paladin. Lip curling up, the young
paladin lets out a small snarl as he spins his broadsword in his hand. Not
taking his gaze off the tunnel where the sewage merges, the holy warrior
begins to move towards it. “Immerine, I’ll need light if I’m to rid us of the
little devil spying on us. Be a dear and shine your staff into that tunnel.”
Immerine smiles sweetly at the paladin, dropping the old trip wire and hoping
both Jez and Matteo fall flat in the muck. She wades closer to the tunnel
Telsom indicated and shines forth her staff.

As the ‘tripwire’
falls back into the sewage, all that happens, is some muck spattering the
already soiled clothes of the Sembian investigator. Immerine swings her staff
in the direction of Telsom, narrowly missing the heads of Matteo and Jez, and
she squeezes her way past the two. The half-elf merely tries to turns his head
and from the corner of one eye he attempts to wink at the witch; however in
the cramped environment Jezbodiah, trying to get out of the witch’s way, bumps
into the stick rising from the sewage. The motion dislodges the stick and the
pull of the sewage tugs it in the direction of the chamber. Flowing
agonizingly slow past Jez and in the direction of Telsom and Immerine, one
piece of the stick remains underwater while the other part sticks out of the
muck. “Interesting…” Jez says as he quickly loses interest in Immerine and
Telsom’s discovery “I wonder if this stick is a lever?” Jez proceeds to the
levers and sheaths his shorts swords once again. With gloves donned, he places
one hand on each lever and proceeds to push one away from his body and the
other towards him. He does this slowly as to NOT to break the sticks.

The swinging light
from Immerine’s staff causes the shadows to dance wildly and the Kelemvorite
half-orc turns around looking at what his friends are doing. When Tempest
turns, Telsom gets a better view of the chamber and the tunnel into which the
sewage flows. Close to the edge of vision, Immerine and Telsom, unaware of the
floating stick behind them, can see a rat-like shape swimming away. A much
larger rat then the ones encountered previously. Taking a deep breath, Telsom
rushes forward his shield held before him, with his broadsword skimming the
surface of the filth behind him. “From roses to feces… wouldn’t father be
proud.” He says between gritted teeth as the moves quickly after the rat
shape. Immerine gives chase immediately behind Telsom. “I know I’m not.
Paladins rushing off into who knows what sort of trouble, leaving behind his
companions… you cannot get rid of me this easily Telsom!!!” The witch says hot
on Telsom’s heels. “I’m unused to explaining my actions Immerine, perhaps when
this is over I shall for a change.” The young warrior calls over his shoulder.
“I don’t know why… I never intend to explain my actions. Keep your secrets
paladin. Let’s catch up with that rat.” Immerine smiles mischievously.

Tempest looks a
little nonplussed as Telsom and Immerine splash by wading quickly through the
muck. Sensing some sort of trouble he grips his mace tighter and hurries along
after the two. Fortunately for Matteo his sunrod is still providing a wealth
of light, allowing him to watch the three disappear into the third tunnel.
Along the line of his vision he sees Jez reach out to the slow floating
‘lever’. As the young half-elf’s hand closes around the thing, he lifts it out
of the sewage, revealing a short spear. Through the dripping muck, the
weapon’s head appears slightly bent and blunted. As Immerine and Telsom rush
off Matteo looks up in surprise. “Now what?” He mutters to himself. “Jez!” He
calls. “After that lot, we can’t afford to get separated for some reason down
here.” Matching actions to his words Matteo wades after the disappearing trio.
“Right! No more kobolds for me.” The half-elf replies. Seeing the light fade
into darkness, Jez takes the blunted spear and proceeds to follow Matteo
before he becomes lost in the darkness.

Despite Telsom’s
best efforts, he can’t keep up with the fast swimming rat. The muck, which
reaches up to well over half his upper legs, slows his movement down
considerably. Yet the young paladin moves faster then the others, determined
as he is to catch the evil creature. Immerine tries to keep up with Telsom,
but finds the sewage to obstruct her movements even more in the wake of the
paladin’s passing. Slowly she sees the young man move closer to the edge of
her staff’s light-circle. Multiple splashing sounds and the bobbing light of a
sunrod indicate that the others are following in the rat-chase. Suddenly, for
a split second, Telsom feels a different sort of resistance as he lifts his
foot. Then, as if in slow-motion he hears a click from his left. Looking in
that direction he sees one of the smaller sewage pipes at roughly chest level.
Hurling out of the pipe is a rusty-headed spear, aimed straight at the
paladin. Immerine sees the lightning fast movement of the spear and the
desperate maneuver of Telsom to avoid the trap. The man’s movements are to no
avail, the force of the spear punches straight through the young man’s new
armor and hurtles him against the opposite wall. A flabbergasted Tempest sees
his companion slam against the opposite wall, a spear haft sticking out of the
man’s abdomen. Without further ado, the half-orc pushes through the sewage
towards his fallen comrade. Matteo and Jezbodiah, unable to see clearly what
happens in front of them, only the grunt of pain and the sound of Telsom
smacking into the wall provide an initial indication that something is wrong;
then Tempest starts sprinting forward through the muck.

First wincing as he
comes in contact with the wall, Telsom grunts as he supports his weight on the
wall with his shield and arm. Looking down at the weapon protruding from his
flesh and armor, the paladin’s eyes widen in shock. “Lovely.” he hisses
between clenched teeth. “Beshaba’s Whims!” Gasps Jez, “That had to hurt.”
Wading through the sewage and refuse, Jez makes a stronger push towards
Immerine and Telsom, overcoming Matteo if needed. He reaches behind his back
and withdraws his short sword. He keeps his recent discovery, a blunted spear
firmly gripped in the other. “Telsom!!” Immerine shouts and hurries forward to
the young paladin. She examines the wound and shakes her head. “Tempest,
quickly, I need your help.” The young witch pulls off her backpack and begins
rummaging through it all the while chastising the paladin half-heartedly.
“Stupid, stubborn fool …watch where you are going instead of focusing so
intently… Single-minded bravery… See what you get when you don’t wait? Now you
have hurt yourself… and in these filthy conditions!”

“As much as I would
have rather avoided the wound… it’s best that it was me.” The wounded paladin
says between strained breaths. “Where a wound in this cesspool might prove
deadly to you or the others in the long run, I’ve nothing to fear… Sune
protects me from all manners of disease… not from all manner of wounds it
would appear.” A small laugh escapes the paladin’s lips but quickly turns into
a cough, which brings up a small gout of blood. “A disease is not necessarily
what I am talking about.” Snaps the irritated witch, “Cold, damp, and shock
are far more dangerous to you at the moment. Drink a sip of this!” She presses
her precious flask of Rashemi firewine into the paladin’s hands. Telsom shakes
his head, his lips pursed tightly together as pain rushes through his body as
he tries to move. Closing his eyes, the paladin reaches down feeling the area
where the spear penetrated his flesh. As the half-elf rogue advances, he can
hear Immerine chide and order Telsom on his brash actions. Looking at Telsom
and Immerine, he says holds the blunted spear to both of them and speaks, “My
hunch was correct. This is what I pulled out of the muck and dung.” He shakes
his head at Telsom, who now has a spear in his chest I see you found another
one of these spear traps; looks like we’re inside someone’s hunting grounds.”

Standing back away
from the others in the sewer tunnel to avoid getting in the way Matteo regards
proceedings with a cool eye, though he gives Telsom a tight, grim nod when he
catches the man’s eye. Jez looks at Immerine and says, “Need any help?”
Immerine frowns at Telsom and places her flask back into her backpack. “It
would have deadened the pain and what I am about to do may cause you to pass
out. If you choose to do this the hard way, so be it.” The witch looks worried
as she examines the wound. “Jez, please keep our stubborn friend erect so he
does not drown in the muck around us. From within her healer’s kit she
withdraws a small, very sharp knife. “This will hurt, but cannot be helped. I
need to increase the size of the hole slightly in order to remove the spear.
Following that I will heal you, do you understand?” Immerine asks, looking
into the paladin’s eyes. “Tempest will have to snap off the majority of the
spear first… then cut away.” The paladin hisses through clenched teeth.
Sheathing his short sword once again, Jez leans the blunted spear against the
wall. “Do you have any leather straps or a belt?” He says as he supports
Telsom to stay upright and away from the muck. “This looks like its going to
hurt more than a bit and I don’t want you to bite off your tongue.” He stops
for a moment, then continues whispering into Telsom’s ear. “You may want to
take a swig of that firewine.” Telsom looks to Jez with disgust clear on his
face. “If I’d wanted it, then I would have taken Immerine up on her gracious
offer.”

“Well then, I hope
you have the stamina. Lliira guide you through your pain.” Jez says.
“Immerine, I’m not a healer. How and where do you want me to hold him?”
Tempest has stepped up to the wounded paladin, and watches Immerine examine
the wound, while he quietly does the same, evaluating her techniques. “I’ll
snap the haft, just a couple of inches above the wound. That should allow you
enough room to cut the spearhead out milady.” The half-orc turns to Jezbodiah.
If you step around to the other side, the two of us can hold him steady, “I
don’t believe it is time yet for Telsom to visit my lord on his way to his
lady, however we must be careful not to stress the wound too much. The spear
might have damaged vital organs.”

Telsom chuckles, but
then winces, pain flashing across his face. “No more talk.” The paladin says
as he brings his hand to his mouth, murmuring and then kissing his fingertips.
As a rosy glow encompasses the end of his hand, Telsom reaches down, holding
his hand to the side of the wound giving Immerine space to work. Gritting his
teeth, Telsom hisses. “Do it.” Immerine nods once and moves with the skill of
an experienced healer. The small knife is so sharp; Telsom feels only the
tiniest of pinpricks as it opens his wound. The hardest part is removing the
spear head from the battered and torn flesh. Immerine moves as quickly as she
can without causing the paladin any undue pain. Once it is removed, she calls
on the last vestiges of her healing power. Tempest watches Immerine work. He
smiles when he sees her open the wound, and it looks like the idea would never
have occurred to him. After the spear is out, he will move in closer and begin
calling to Kelemvor. “Oh mighty Kelemvor, if it’s not this brave man’s time to
see you, please allow your servant to heal his wound.” Immerine’s skilled
hands and sharp knife allow the spear to be removed from Telsom’s body. The
young paladin moves his hand over the wound trying to stop the flow of blood
with aid of his divine patroness. Despite his efforts, the blood seeps through
his fingers and judging by the pale complexion on the man’s pain contorted
face, he has lost quite some blood already. It takes the combined efforts of
the witch and the servant of the Lord of the Dead to knit the wound and still
the flow of blood.

The mystical
energies fill Telsom with a cool and fresh energy which, visibly, returns some
of his strength. Already exhausted this morning, Immerine feels much of her
strength flow into the paladin and she sees that her effort is rewarded,
though it takes Tempest’s aid to staunch the flow of blood and heal the wound.
A quick reaction from Tempest prevents both the weakened paladin and the
weakened witch to sink into the mud. “That’s incredible…” Utters Jez, “That
was… By Lliira, that was… All I can say is amazing! Here, let me help
Immerine,” he says to Tempest. “Do you need any assistance my good lady? I’m
good to lean on… amongst other things.” The last is said with a wink and in
good humor. “I’ll be ready to go again in a few moments… let me catch my
breath.” The paladin says as his body almost collapses into the muck below.
Immerine turns too quickly as she avoids Jez’s touch and she goes down on one
knee. Only the support of her staff prevents her from falling into the muck as
she clings to it tightly. She snaps quickly, “Do not touch me, without my
permission!” She withdraws from the tight knot of people and hangs back as far
against the opposite wall as she can get. Dark ebon strands of hair are
plastered across her bloodless cheek in a strange mock tattoo. Her eyes follow
the paladin’s movements wearily, “Neither you nor I are ready to move on …”
She stands stiff as she tries to regain her strength by sheer will alone. As
Jez attempts to reach out with his hand to help Immerine in her struggle, he
retracts his hand and speaks humbly. “My Lady, may I seek your permission. May
I offer my services to you?”

Closely watching the
makeshift surgery and healing of Telsom and then the interaction between
Immerine and Jez, Matteo remains just out of the way. Shifting his gaze from
the young witch he glances away from her and Jezbodiah, down the tunnel.
“While you are catching your breath I’ll just have a look down here to make
sure you are safe.” He murmurs in a quiet voice before threading his way
through the group and slowly making his way forward. Tempest sighs loudly and
then goes off a little ways down the tunnel after Matteo. Immerine looks first
at Jez’s outstretched hand and then at Matteo’s back, “No Jez…” She continues
softly while still staring at Matteo’s departing form, “There will be no more
service. I will not allow you to do this as you truly do not know what you
ask. Too much has been done in the name of service to no avail. In the end it
does not matter…” Taking a deep breath she slowly heads off after Matteo, her
head bowed and her shoulders slumped as if under a great weight. Sounding
disappointed, Jez replies to Immerine’s and Matteo’s disappearing forms.
“Well, at least let me take the point. I can see farther and deeper in the
darkness than any of you. Don’t want to have another accident with the spear
now do we?”

Carefully Matteo
makes his way forward through the muck, paying attention to the openings in
the sewer’s walls and peering across the surface of the sewage for any signs
of danger. Peering into the dark beyond the circle of light thrown by Matteo’s
sunrod, Tempest tries to look for any danger further ahead. A weary Immerine,
shoulders slumped and head bowed follows the two a couple of paces behind,
despite her own proclamation of not being fit to continue. Jezbodiah, after a
quick glance at the recovering paladin, quickly follows the other three,
seeing the two sources of light moving further away. Being able to see in less
light then humans, it remains prudent with tripwires and such to have a little
more light at hand. Carefully testing to see if there is any residual effect
from the erstwhile wound, Telsom rises steadying himself against the wall. The
damaged armor seems to be the only indication of the wound he received mere
moments ago. Sword in hand Telsom makes his way after the others. The roguish
half-elf makes his way foreword through the muck before him. “I hate cold
water…” He mutters under his breath. “…Can’t wait for a hot bath.” He rubs his
hands against his sleeve to warm them from the gnawing cold weather. Now and
again, he turns his head to see if Telsom is following. Finally, stopping with
the others, he says. “Okay, which way are we going?”

After carefully
traveling through the sewer for a couple of yards, Matteo’s vigil is rewarded
as he spots another piece of string hanging down from a tube into the sewage.
As he halts to inspect the suspect pipe Tempest taps him on the shoulder.
Following the half-orc’s pointing finger with his eyes, Matteo straightens a
little to better see what the Kelemvorite is pointing at. Another fifty yards
or so down the channel there seems to be another intersection of main
channels. Nodding his head at Tempest’s gesture Matteo silently indicates the
dangling string to the others so that they may avoid any peril it contains.
Leaning closer to Tempest he murmurs in a low, quiet voice, “Do you want to
have a quick look ahead? No point us bringing up light and letting the whole
world know we are coming.” Tempest nods his head at Matteo, and rechecks the
weight of his mace and shield. He moves through the sewage carefully avoiding
the trap, and trying to be as silent as possible to investigate the next
intersection.

Immerine stops a few
feet from Matteo and leans heavily against the wall. For once she is silent
and lets the Sembian direct the next actions of the group. She looks back over
her shoulder to make sure Telsom is following and able to keep pace. With a
tightly drawn face, Telsom keeps up with the others; his shield held firmly in
hand, his sword held mere inches above the water. Immerine smiles wanly at the
young paladin as he draws near. She takes a deep breath and wishes she hadn’t
when the odor re-assails her nostrils. “Ugh!” She says before she realizes she
even spoke then shakes her head returning to silence as the weariness she
feels begins to overtake her again.

The painful memory
of the spear penetrating his side, Telsom cautiously follows the others, not
wanting to be pierced again. Nothing flies out at the paladin this time, small
solace but not much of a comforting thought. Matteo’s find proves there are
still more traps around. Jezbodiah, seeing Immerine look back at Telsom peeks
over his shoulder as well. Seeing the paladin is keeping up, the half-elf
steps past Immerine who leans wearily against the curved wall of the sewer, a
look of distaste and tiredness on her face. Between the light circles of
Immerine’s staff and Matteo’s sunrod Jez stops – a pace or so behind the
Sembian. Jezbodiah’s eyes scan the area in front of his companion. A thin wire
emerges from the muck and runs up to a small drainage pipe. The pipe – not
unlike the one where Telsom was wounded – seems to be in disuse. A little
dried muck is crusted on the rim of the opening and inside Jez sees a small
glint of metal. “Ooops… There’s one.” He says pointing to the drain pipe with
a glint of satisfaction. He stops and grabs Matteo’s shoulder with his free
hand. “Don’t trip the wire.”

Tempest, having
taken care not to trigger the lethal trap, sloshes through the sewage towards
the intersection. Despite his effort in trying to be silent, the half-orc
can’t avoid the sounds his progress makes. Hoping the sound is soft enough not
to warn any enemies he carefully presses on. The half-orc is only a couple of
yards from the intersection when, some twenty yards from his position, he
spots movement – a couple of heartbeats to late. As he registers the movement
in the darkness of one of the side-tunnels two mechanical clicks sound,
immediately followed by the distinct ‘twang’ of a bowstring. With sickening
thud of metal on metal, one of the projectiles pierces the links of the
Kelemvorite’s chain armor.

Some forty yards
behind the half-orc the others hear the sound of the bolt impacting on
Tempest’s chainmail, less then a heartbeat followed by another bolt slamming
into the wall of the sewer a yard or two away from Matteo and Jezbodiah. As
the bolt slams into the wall only yards away from him, Jez snaps loudly,
“Cyric’s balls! That’s it! For now on, I take the front! No offense, but if
you people keep tripping these wires and what not, we’ll never get out of here
alive.” As he moves forward, he can be heard saying, “I hope Tempest is
alright.” Jez immediately unsheathes his two short swords and moves forward,
cautious of the tripwire, watching for open drainage pipes and the nasty
surprises they hold. Immerine hisses in annoyance. “Use your senses half-elf!
This is an ambush. There were two clicks and the singing of a bowstring and
nothing came from the pipe. Everyone away from the tunnel entrance – Now!”
Immerine moves with sudden rejuvenation as she presses forward. She pulls out
a single shiny coin then juts her staff around the corner. Angling the coin so
as to catch the light from around the corner she hopes to see enough to make
out what is there.

When Tempest looks
up from where a crossbow bolt has imbedded itself into his armor and a little
blood seems to be welling up, he sees some small figures scurrying in the
darkness ahead of him. They seem to be engaged in reloading their weapons.
From the corner of his eyes the half-orc thinks he spots some movement in the
tunnel to his right. But when he darts a quick look into that direction he
doesn’t see anything. Saying a quick prayer to Kelemvor, Tempest starts an
attempt at running forward through the muck, pushing waves of sewage in front
of him, in an attempt to reach the obscured archers before they have a chance
to reload their weapons. Swearing under his breath Matteo begins to move
forward through the muck, drawing his borrowed sword with his free hand as he
does so. In his haste the Sembian accidentally triggers the trap he had found.
Only a lightning quick reflex allows him to avoid the lethal spear, which
slams loudly into the opposite wall. Cursing under his breath, Matteo regains
his balance and moves forward squeezing past Jez and then Immerine. He glances
at Tempest’s wound but doesn’t stop, stepping just around the corner to the
mouth of the tunnel on his left.

Ignoring Immerine’s
warning, the brash half-elf moves toward the intersection as well, catching up
with Matteo and Immerine. By the time the three enter the intersection,
Tempest has made his way almost across it and is about to enter the tunnel
where the archers – with the added light from staff and sunrod they can now be
clearly identified as kobolds – are raising their reloaded weapons for another
shot. Telsom following the group, having seen the trap spring just behind the
hasty Sembian, advances more carefully. As he looks forward to see what his
companions are doing, excited barking sounds come from the leftmost tunnel of
the intersection, followed by a rattling sound overhead – as if wooden
cog-wheels have started to turn. Reacting as quickly as they can the four
people in the intersection try to get out of harm’s way; Matteo, having moved
close to the left tunnel, dives into the muck, and Immerine stumbles back into
the tunnel from which she emerged, tripping and landing on her behind –
sinking almost up to her neck into the sewage.

Jezbodiah and
Tempest are not so lucky, maybe it was a moment’s hesitation or the slippery
footing, suddenly they find themselves lifted of their feet and hoisted into
the air as ‘vines’ on the walls of the intersection suddenly go taught and
raise a sturdy net from the floor up. With increasing speed the net contracts
and rises further up towards the ceiling as some sort of counterweight
descends down from above. By the weak light of Immerine’s staff Matteo glances
down the side passages for any immediate threat and snaps, “Be quiet! No need
to tell whoever set the net we are all here.” Obviously not amused at their
current predicament and with being on his hands and knees in a sewer, he
fumbles about in the water for his sunrod. The half-elf rogue swears loudly as
he suddenly finds gravity working in the opposite direction and no floor
beneath his feet. “A counter-weight… Tempest…” He says. “…Can you reach one of
my daggers?” With his short swords still in his hands, Jez attempts to cut a
small opening in the net, but finds his arms pinned by the net and the weight
of Tempest pushing against him. Quietly, Tempest does as he’s told, reaching
for one of Jez’s daggers, squirming so he can move his hand in such a way that
he can reach one of the half-elf’s boots. With his other hand, he’ll try to
grab one of the healing potions he was given. Tempest’s actions cause the net
to sway; the cogs above creak dangerously as the half-orc manages to reach one
of the potions in his belt. Now to get the flask closer to his mouth…

Immerine’s staff
wavers crazily while the witch flounders to regain her feet in the murky mess.
The look on her face speaks words that need not be said aloud… or in company –
any company. She looks up at the pair swinging in the net overhead and across
to the counterweight. “You look ridiculous Jez. Come down from there at once!”
She winks at him and smiles brightly, “Better yet, stay put – it will keep you
out of my way.” She moves carefully to the counterweight and studies it trying
to find a way to release it and drop those above into the muck below and free
them. “There’s plenty of room if you can find the time to climb up here.” Jez
re-examines his precarious position and continues, “Uh second thought
Immerine, I smell better than you, but not by much.” He speaks gaily in the
best fashion expected of any Lliiran as muck steadily drips from the slimy net
holding the unfortunate half-elf and Kelemvorite. “Don’t let us drop. I will
try to cut an opening in net and climb down, if I can.”

Stalking around the
corner, his eyes glazed over with pain and holy guidance, Telsom seeks out the
largest group of kobolds his mouth a thin crease in his face. Seeing a couple
of the small creatures beyond the two trapped companions, the paladin wades
past Immerine and ducks underneath the dripping net, closing in on the enemy.
Two of the little creatures have apparently reloaded their crossbows. Wide
eyed at the determined approach of Telsom, both of them shift their aim at the
approaching Sunite warrior and let their missiles fly. Quickly Telsom moves
his shield to deflect the incoming bolts, catching one with a loud impact on
his shield. The other flies past the shield and embeds itself partially in the
paladin’s armor scratching the man’s shoulder. In the mean time Matteo has
found the sunrod, lifting it above the level of the sewage while regaining his
footing, he suddenly finds himself staring at two spear wielding kobolds and
in the shadows beyond he can spot even more movement. The two creatures yap
excitedly and stab their spears at the Sembian. Perhaps the sudden appearance
of the sunrod threw of their aim; only one of the spears strikes a glancing
blow, nicking Matteo’s right arm slightly and drawing some blood.

Immerine, inspecting
the mechanism holding her two companions trapped in the air, suddenly feels
something bumping against her legs. As she looks down to inspect what it is,
her bright smile vanishes quickly: two large rat-like creatures are clamping
themselves at her legs, attempting to sink their teeth in the woman’s flesh.
She frowns and brings the butt of her raised staff down as hard as she can on
one of the filthy creatures. “What do you know Matteo… there are bigger rats
in the sewers than you.” She says glibly as she tries to stab one of the rats.
Sensing the danger the critter let’s go of her leg and Immerine’s staff
plunges next to her leg into the sewage. The other rat manages to climb higher
onto the witch’s leg and painfully sinks its teeth into the woman’s thigh.
Matteo’s lips tighten at Immerine’s words though he does not take his eyes
from the two small creatures before him… Remaining silent he takes a half step
backwards and raises his sword against their attack. Sensing an opportunity,
the two kobolds launch another set of attacks as behind them another kobold
and a big rat emerge from the shadows. Deftly parrying the attacks, Matteo
avoids the spears with relative ease. However it won’t be two adversaries
attacking him only much longer, behind the two creatures the big rat dives
under…

After swallowing
some of the healing potion, Tempest turns invigorated and with grim
determination to the net. Using Jezbodiah’s dagger he starts cutting the tough
and slippery ropes that make up the net; first one, then a second piece of
rope snaps. The sawing movements in the confined space don’t make it easier
for the unfortunate Jez. The whole contraption starts to swing slowly, sending
more agonizing squeaks from above and advancing their progress down. “Tempest…
uhhrrr, you’re crushing me…” Jez grunts as his face is pressed against the
netting. “Hurry up… with the net quickly. Immerine and Matteo are in trouble.”
Unable to help his companions, Jez continues to watch the battle unfold.
Looking at the rat sink its teeth into Immerine, Jez says, “That’s gotta
hurt…”

One of the wicked
little creatures in front of the young paladin throws its crossbow. Telsom,
bringing up his shield easily deflects the improvised missile and lunges with
his sword at the offending monster, narrowly missing the creature. The other
kobold has taken a little more time in putting its crossbow away and reaches
for the small spear leaning against the wall. As Telsom shifts his attention
to try and anticipate its next move he suddenly hears a soft, almost rhythmic
yapping from the deeper shadows in the sewer. As the yapping stops, a
coruscating beam springs forth from the darkness, illuminating briefly another
kobold. This one is pointing a finger at the paladin, a finger from which the
ray springs almost unerringly forward. To the paladin’s amazement, the light
plays over the metal of his armor and small tendrils of light find their way
between the links and small openings. The invading light send a shiver through
the young man’s body and suddenly the sword in his hand feels a little
heavier, the same goes for the shield which now drags a bit more on his arm…

With increasing
speed the net and the two trapped heroes is sinking lower towards the muck.
Trying to keep his calm Tempest keeps working to create large enough an
opening for Jezbodiah and himself to crawl through. At the same time Jez tries
to cut through the net with his short swords hoping he can escape and reach
his friends. “Hang on! We’ll be down as soon as we can…” The half-elf’s words
are cut short when under the combined weight of the two struggling men the net
sinks into the sewage. Just in time Jezbodiah can take a gulp of rank
sewer-air before he goes completely under with the half-orc on top of him. A
wave of claustrophobic panic hits the Lliiran when suddenly the world turns
into a disgusting darkness. Sensing his companion’s distress, Tempest
redoubles his efforts and manages to open the gap a little wider, yet to the
Kelemvorite’s frustration it is not yet wide enough to squeeze his frame
through. Immerine hisses involuntarily as the rat digs in with its teeth. She
reaches down with her hand to grab the creature and pull it free, while moving
toward the ledge to get out of the water. The young witch gets a hold of the
foul creature and she tears the beast from her leg, widening the wound.
Quickly she clambers on the ledge hoping to get out of reach of the other rat,
while swinging the first one against one of the sewer walls. With a sickening
thud the beast slams into the wall, yet as it lands on the ledge, it quickly
regains its footing and scrambles toward Immerine again. Immerine almost slips
as the precarious footing and her stooped posture put her off-balance.
Steadying herself against the wall with one hand and leaning on the staff for
extra support she manages not to fall face-first into the sewage.

Letting out a sigh
of frustration, the paladin pushes forward attacking the opponent that had
eluded him thus far and despite the weariness in his arms and legs he manages
lay his opponent open from collarbone to halfway its ribcage. Yelping in pain
and twitching in its death-throes the creature sinks into the sewage almost
dragging the Telsom’s sword with it. An exited yapping comes from the
sorcerous creature when its fellow is cut down; shaking a spear furiously at
the paladin it seems to urge the other kobold on. Trying to be as menacing as
possible the small creature advances towards Telsom, trying to find a weakness
in the man’s defenses. Despite his sudden lethargy Telsom manages to deflect
the thrust without too much effort, setting the stage for a new sequence of
thrusts and parries.

In the other side
tunnel Matteo is being pressed by three of the rat-tailed creatures and an
unseen danger from below. Seemingly coordinating their attack, the three
kobolds stab one after the other in an attempt to overwhelm their opponent.
Matteo’s agility and his prudence in moving closer to the wall help him avoid
being on the receiving end of the wicked little spears. Deftly parrying the
attacks, the Sembian looks for an opening. As the second kobold overreaches
itself Matteo steps in and brings his sword down, severely wounding the
creature. Dropping its spear the wounded kobold tries to stop the spurting
flow of blood, while his two fellows attempt to shield him from further
attacks. The stabbing and slashing continues back and forth with the two
kobolds managing to drive Matteo a little back. Then the Sembian sees an
opening and thrusts his word into it, hoping to score another fatal blow. In
the last moment the deadly strike is turned away as the defending kobold
manages a desperate parry with the butt-end of its spear. Then Matteo feels
something latching on to his boots, little claws trying to find a hold on his
boots and legging.

Turning on the
sorcerous kobold, Telsom continues to attack, this time going for the
sorcerer. Careful not to slip in the muck in his weakened state, Telsom keeps
his feet at shoulder width using his shield to deflect the spear as he tries
to find weakness in the kobolds battle style. The second kobold interferes and
places itself between Telsom and sorcerer. Seeing that the fight is going
against them, the kobold sorcerer yaps a few times before in haltingly common
asking, “Please, fight stop, we no fight, we stop, you win.”

The big rat
scurrying towards Immerine, a baleful light gleaming in its eyes, stops in its
tracks at the yapping from the side tunnel. Giving one last evil look at the
young witch, it dives into the muck. Seeing the rat disappear, Immerine steps
into the muck again to aid Tempest in his struggling with the net. The
half-orc has managed to widen the opening, tearing at the tough fibers with
his hand and a dagger. With Immerine’s aid he is able to extract himself out
of the net, sending them both but-first into the sewage.

Bubbles of air float
rapidly towards as Jez holds his breath and prays to Lliira for his life. Then
he feels the weight of half-orc lift and starts clawing up to surface to get
air. Emerging from the murky water gasping for air Jez finds himself staring
into the evilly gleaming eyes of a large rat. “Uhhhahhhh!” Jez gasps as he
lifts his head from the sewage and waste. He exhales loudly as the sound of
relief and satisfaction, although putrid, echoes throughout the sewage system.
His heavy respiration takes in all the foul sewage air he can. He coughs and
gags then looks directly at the large rat who looks at him with an obvious
evil intent in its eyes. It’s as if he can see its sinister smile. “No…” Jez
says, “Bad rat. Don’t think about it.” Then he punches the rat in the face as
hard as he can then Jez momentarily gropes in the muck for his sword. After a
few attempts he locates it, but the insulted rat has dived under and is
nowhere to be seen.

Tempest slowly gets
up, trying not to slip in the muck as he listens to Telsom’s demands. Standing
firmly on his own feet again, the half-orc readies his mace and shield, ready
to join the fray if the response is not good. “Suomi!!” curses the witch as
she falls back again into the muck and mire. This time she gets up more slowly
and sputters as she turns her head from side to side trying to stop the stench
from entering her already fouled nose. Using her staff for support, Immerine
steps from the sewage to the ledge again. Half-crouching and dripping wet the
young witch regards the situation with obvious dismay and ready fro another
attack when suddenly she hears some yapping followed by the Telsom’s
commanding voice.

“The girl… The
priestess of Kelemvor… Where is she!” Telsom demands as he lowers the tip of
his blade towards the ground, his hardened gaze focused on the sorcerer.
Slightly cowering before the fierce looking paladin the kobold looks at the
towering human with an almost comical dumbfounded expression on its vaguely
canine snout. It yaps something to its companion who cocks its head and in a
human-like gesture shrugs its small shoulders. Taking a half step back from
the kobolds before him, Matteo glances down at whatever is pawing at his boot
and gives an irritated kick to free his leg, shaking the unseen attacker
loose. Not turning from the creatures before him, he keeps his sword readied
but listens for the response to Telsom’s question. The kobolds in front of the
injured Sembian have lowered their weapons and taken a few steps back into the
tunnel.

“No girrrl, no she
of Kelorrr.” The kobold answers Telsom in a quivering lightly growling voice,
its ratty tail hanging low, almost between its legs. “Rrufrral not know.”
Cocking its head even more side ways it almost slides up towards Telsom acting
suspiciously like a submissive dog, “Rrufrral help big boss? No tell otherrr
bosses?” Behind the sorcerer Telsom can see two furry shapes bobbing up to the
surface. Concentrating lightly upon the shapes confirms his suspicion; two of
the vile evil big rats. Always ready for danger, the paladin’s weight shifts
slightly to his back leg, as he slides it behind him a short distance giving
him more leverage in the muck. Loosening and tightening his grip on his broad
sword the holy warrior responds to the sorcerous kobold. “I will accept your
aid and part ways with you shortly if you give your word never to turn on
myself or any of these others again… These other bosses you speak of. Where
can we find them?” Sliding its way even closer to Telsom, the kobold sorcerer
cocks its head under an almost impossible angle, looking at the paladin with –
what could be – pleading eyes. “Rrrr… Rrufrral show? Big boss follow? No
hurrrt?”

The half-elf readies
his other short or retrieves it (or which ever comes first). He sloshes
through he muck and sewage towards Telsom’s general direction and keeps both
his ears and eyes open and his swords ready. Once Telsom finishes his
interrogation, Jez speaks harshly. “I was chasing a young street urchin
earlier yesterday. I chased him into the sewers, or I believe so. I
encountered one of your hunting parties. Did you see a young boy in the sewers
sometime yesterday?” Seeing the wet and muck dripping half-elf converge on it
and speaking harshly, the kobold cringes and hides from Jezbodiah by moving
around Telsom’s legs. In a pleading, frightened tone it addresses the paladin;
“Big boss help? Otherrr big one not hurrt? Big boss prrrotect?” Keeping an eye
on the kobolds before him, Matteo continues to listen to the conversation
between Telsom and the kobold sorcerer. After a few more seconds he glances
behind to check how his other companions are faring.

Immerine remains
perched where she is. Her chest rises and falls as she tries to gain a few
moments rest. Her eyes are bleary and her nose twitches at the odors around
her. She shivers involuntarily while half-listening to the conversation the
little fetid creature carries on with the paladin. The scowl on the witches
face a clear indication she doesn’t want to stay any longer then necessary in
the sewers. Seeing that both she, Jezbodiah and Tempest – who is stoically
trying to clean most of the muck from his armor and weapons – are soaked
through and through, the prospect of leaving the sewers is not a bad one. When
Matteo returns his attention to the two kobolds in front of him, nothing
changed, save for the fact that the two seem to follow their leaders behavior
and appear submissive and non-threatening.

Adjusting his shield
so that he has use of his hand, Telsom reaches into his belt pouch and removes
a gold coin. “Big boss will protect… and reward you, most powerful servant.”
The paladin says as he passes the coin to the kobold. “Answer the other big
one’s question this time. I’ll see that he does not interrupt us again.” With
that, the paladin glances over his shoulder at Jez a glare on his face. “Go
see to the others and leave me to this.” He says with a harsh tone but
conspiratorial eyes. “Big boss and most powerful servant have matters to
discuss.” The kobold sorcerer cringes as the half-elf makes another step in
his direction and hesitates before accepting the coin. “Fine by me, but I’m
not a healer.” Jez replies. “Ask them my question please. I am interested in
the waif I was chasing yesterday. Well, rather concerned.” Then he turns
around and looks at his other companions. The kobold sorcerer breathes a sigh
of relief and looks with a mix of relieve and submission up to Telsom’s face.
“Rruffrral not know nestling of angrrry big one.” Seeing the beginning of a
scowl on the paladin’s face the kobold hurriedly adds, “Show nest of big
bosses? Rruffrral show big boss.” Appearing almost like a submissive dog, the
sorcerer is looking up at the paladin with large eyes.

***

“Lady Immerine, how
are feeling?” Jezbodiah asks; genuine concern visible through the dripping
muck that covers the shivering half-elf from top to toe. “Is there anyway I
may be of service.” Immerine opens her mouth to send a biting reply to Jez,
but then shakes her head as she realizes he really is just concerned. “I am
cold, exhausted and tired of walking through muck. There is no way you can
help as you have already admitted you are not a healer. The sooner we are
finished with our business here, the better. Then I can tend my wounds and get
warm. Check on Matteo… he seems awfully quiet and was facing several more of
the creatures.” Her gaze flicks towards the Sembian and a look of concern
washes over her face, quickly to be replaced by her usual mask of
indifference.

Jez turns and
proceeds in his general direction. “Matteo, Sir, need any help with these
kobolds?” Glancing at Telsom, a faint smile of wry amusement tugs at the
corner of Matteo’s mouth, though it soon passes. “No,” he replies in answer to
Jez’s query, “I do not think these creatures will bother us any further at the
present moment.” Looking past Jez towards Tempest and Immerine, Matteo wipes
down the blade of his borrowed sword and sheathes it. “Are the others
alright?” He asks Jez quietly, still looking in their direction. “Tempest
appears to be fine but I hurt his feelings, I think I did.” He pauses and
continues. “And for Immerine…” He looks at Matteo first, he can see a worried
gaze in his eyes, “She can be as expected, sore but demanding and wet, wet
like me. I think she strained herself healing Telsom.” Matteo’s lips thin at
Jez’s reply and his expression hardens. “I warned her…” He mutters under his
breath, “But she never listens.” Turning back towards Jez he nods his thanks
and says, “Thank you, Master Wisp. Would you mind keeping an eye on our
dog-like friends here just in case they decide to get adventurous? The Lady
Immerine had a similar problem with her healing this morning, I’ll see if she
is any worse for her efforts this time.”

“Sure.” Jez replies
and strolls through the sewage and towards the kobolds. “Okay, since Prince
Handsome is entertaining your leader, I have a question. Did either of you see
a young waif run through the sewers yesterday. Hmmm, I lost him only to meet a
few of your friends with nice crossbows.” The two kobolds cringe away a little
further into the sewer as the muck covered half-elf looms over them in the
tunnel. Exchanging glances, one of the two yaps something in Jez’s direction,
and repeats the sound when a look of non-comprehension appears on the
half-elf’s face. Glancing once more at his companion the two risk a furtive
glance past Jezbodiah in the general direction of the sorcerer.

***

Crossing the open
area where the tunnels meet, Matteo makes his way over towards Immerine,
taking care to avoid the worst of the floating refuse. As he draws near he
slows and, in a soft voice, asks, “Are you alright, my lady? Is there anything
I can do?” Immerine draws away by habit, but forces herself to relax when she
finds there is nowhere to go. She smiles wanly at Matteo, “No, my lord,
nothing that rest will not correct. Unless you are willing to… no, never mind…
you would never consider it.” She chuckles darkly at her thoughts then looks
towards Telsom. “So many different people here, so many new things to try and
understand…” She yawns, gags and almost falls off the narrow ledge. “Ye gods
the stench!” She curses softly. “You might be surprised what I would consider
doing, minun aatelisnainen” Matteo murmurs, his face expressionless. He makes
no move to catch or support her when she almost loses her balance, instead
turning so that he can keep Telsom in view. Immerine raises an eyebrow at
Matteo’s response but keeps her face averted towards Telsom.

Tempest stands with
mace and shield at the ready for the whole exchange. Finally, when it looks
like no progress is being made, he gives a quick cry of frustration. “But what
are we going to do about Portia? We need to find her, and she must be down
here somewhere!” His voice wavers with frustration. “New rule!” Telsom shouts
as he turns on Tempest pointing his blade at the large cleric. “You silence
yourself when in the company of intelligent beings or we’ll gag you! Your
outburst does nothing to save your precious Portia… if anything they’ll hinder
our progression.” Eyes hard and full of rage, the paladin looks back to the
kobold before him. “My questions… answer them.” Cowering before the wrath of
the ‘big boss’ Rruffrral whimpers and its tail all but disappears between its
legs. “T-t-tell b-boss Rr-rruffrral did. No nestling of big one. D-don’t s-strrike
poorr Rruffral.”

Tempest shuts his
mouth with an audible clack as he glowers at the paladin. Gripping mace and
shield even tighter the half-orc remains silent, though his expression clearly
reveals his impatience. Sitting on the ledge Immerine leaves Matteo’s comment
for what it is and though looking in Telsom’s direction, she seems turned in
upon herself with a cold and dangerous expression on her face as she wrinkles
her nose in disgust. A flash of irritation is briefly visible as an
uncontrollable shiver runs across her frame. Frowning almost imperceptibly,
Matteo maintains the neutral expression on his face revealing nothing at
Immerine’s silence.

Eyes darkening in
anger Telsom frowns down at the whimpering kobold clutching his leg. “These
big bosses, how many are there? Do any of them carry this symbol?” Telsom asks
as he pulls forth the symbol of Velsharoon from his belt pouch. Cowering
before the paladin’s scowl the kobold looks at the stylized symbol on a buckle
of sorts, the light of Immerine’s staff playing briefly along the surface of
the crowned skull. Fearful of the paladin, the sorcerer shakes its head. “Not
know bonehead. Rr-ruffrral not see before with B-big bosses. They trravel in
small p-pack. Rr-ruffrral can show wherre.”

In the other tunnel
Jez picks up on the kobold’s visual cues and nods his cowled head at the
kobolds. “Oh I see.” He mutters and moves his position to lean against the
sewer wall, enough to keep his eye on the huddling kobolds but also to keep
his eye on Tempest and the others. He leans back and opens his ears to the
unfolding conversations between Telsom and the Kobold and between Matteo and
Immerine. Upon hearing Telsom’s outburst Jez pulls the cowl down and waits for
the paladin to turn his back and begin questioning the kobold sorcerer again.
With his cowl down and away from his lower jaw, Jez sticks his tongue out, but
briefly in the general direction of the Sunite paladin.

“Very well. Show me
my servant.” Telsom says to the kobold before him, motioning the creature to
lead the way. Jezbodiah continues eye the kobold while using his short swords
to clean the muck and gunk from his cowl and cloak. He remains in a cautious
state when finally Telsom and his interrogated guest finally speak. “Finally,
some action.” The impatient half-elf quips. “Ya ready Tempest?” He asks the
half-orc while turning to Immerine, “Milady, do you require my services?”
Jez’s voice is fluent and warm with concern, but sounds a little bit stuffy,
as if the young man has caught a cold. Tempest merely shakes his head he’s
ready, not wanting to anger the group anymore with his talking. Shifting his
stance the half-orc makes way for the kobold sorcerer and the three other
dog-like creatures to lead the way to where Portia might be held. As soon as
Telsom steps past, the half-orc glances briefly at the paladin. Shrugging his
shoulders he falls silently in line behind his companion.

Immerine smirks,
“And what services would those be, Jez?” Her gaze settles on Matteo and her
eyes light in challenge. In the low light Jez feels heat rising to his cheeks.
“Nay milady, not those services your thinking. You seem weakened after healing
Telsom. Perhaps, you can use my shoulder for support.” Sighing wearily the
witch replies, “I doubt you know what services it is I am thinking Jez. And I
doubt I know what services you are thinking. As far as support, I have my
staff and it will do until we finish this quest,” she trails off in a soft hum
and she tries to think of anywhere but a cold sewer. “Probably not,” he says.
Jez can be seen rubbing his forearms to keep the cold at bay. It does little
good as even under his cloak and shawl he can be seen shivering. “Soaked to
the bone…” He mutters. “What I do for a torch, or a blazing fireplace, or an
hour in a steam room. I shall think of better things.”

Slowly Immerine
rights herself, leaning on her staff. Stoically Matteo watches the young witch
get to her feet, following her every move with his eyes but otherwise not
moving. Once the Rashemen woman stands straight, she gestures for Jezbodiah to
go and follow Telsom and Tempest. A slight frown of concern forms on the
half-elf’s brow. Deciding not to argue with the tired woman he moves to follow
his companions, once in a while throwing a glance back to see whether Immerine
can keep up. When Immerine also suggests for Matteo to precede her, the
Sembian simply shakes his head. “No, you’ll go first. In your state you’re
liable to slip and fall or otherwise fall behind.” Matteo’s face is set and
hard, but for a brief glimmer of concern showing in his eyes as the light of
Immerine’s staff and his sunrod plays across his face. Turning his gaze away
from Immerine he catches Jez’s attention briefly. “Here, you hold this.” The
Sembian says as he tosses the sunrod to the half-elf. Deftly catching the
sunrod, Jez nods once to Matteo and moves to follow Telsom and his ‘servant’.

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of J P Hazelhoff,
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